Fertility issues or preconceptual guidance is part of the midwife’s role and is something I am often asked about. Apart from the usual information for someone planning a baby, actually getting pregnant can sometimes be an issue. The medical profession often do not consider it a potential problem unless you have been trying for a baby for around 18 months, and indeed it can often take longer – this must seem like forever when you aren’t getting pregnant. I do know that stress (including trying for a baby) and sub-optimal health can lead to difficulty in conceiving, so bear this in mind.

To get yourself into optimal health obviously you need to eat well, be rested. There are some very good websites, particularly the Foresight website and I suggest you work through this list.

How aware you are of your fertile period? It is usually 14 days before a period, so if you have a 28 day cycle it is day 14, but on a longer cycle it may well be later, and just to confuse things women do not always ovulate on day 14! There are various things you can use, like predictor and charting your temperature etc, but also by looking at your normal vaginal discharge (!) at your fertile period the discharge will change from a thicker creamier discharge moving towards a clear, stretch discharge like egg white. To help with conception it is best if you have sex on alternate days around this period.